Drost Leads Mavericks into 2019-20

Taylor Drost averaged 13.4 ppg and was named All-NSIC
Second Team as a junior in 2018-19

The Minnesota State women’s basketball team opened the 2019-20 season with a 91-74 nonconference home victory on Nov. 6 vs. against UW- Eau Claire.


Emilee Thiesse, who is beginning her eighth season as head coach of the Mavericks, has been impressed with the energy and consistent effort the team has put in this year. “This season is looking bright and our goals are centered around the core values of this program.”


Thiesse expects to lean on the 13 returnees from last year’s roster and especially so on the leadership of senior forward Taylor Drost.


Drost, a Menominee Falls, Wis., native, had an outstanding junior season in 2018-19. Named All-Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Second Team, Drost led Minnesota State in scoring with 336 points last season, averaging 13.4 points per game and 3.4 rebounds per game.


“Taylor’s growth over her career has been incredible. She is a tough match-up due to her ability to score in multitude of ways. She has become more aggressive at disrupting shots at the rim and making plays off the ball.” said Thiessse.


Drost, a three-year letterwinner who is a two-time NSIC All-Academic honoree, said that while the returnees will have to lead, it’s expected that the newcomers will also contribute. “We have four freshmen that came in this season and they have been picking things up quickly in practice. Even though we only lost two seniors last season, our junior class is very solid for how small our group of seniors is. Our core group of junior and senior are strong leaders of the team who are dominant players on the court.”


Thiesse agreed, stating that the young players on the roster have fit in nicely with the veterans. “The chemistry the team has on the court is second to none and it shows by how well they play together and how much fun they have.”


In addition to the nonconference contest vs. UW-Eau Claire, the Mavericks also squares-off in nonconference play vs. Northern Michigan (Nov. 14), Michigan Tech (Nov. 18), Bethany Lutheran (Nov. 25) and UW-Parkside (Nov. 30) prior to starting NSIC action Dec. 6 with a home game vs. Southwest Minnesota State.

     Contributed by Morgan Keim-Wolfe, Minnesota State Athletic Communications Intern

Olson Hitting Her Stride

Minnesota State senior Morgan Olson was earned
All-America honors last year after racking up 468 kills

Minnesota State volleyball senior Morgan Olson has accomplished about as much as any Maverick has in program history. 

She came to MSU as a freshman eager to get started. “It was a different atmosphere than going to different schools,” said Olson. “I was really excited to play with the girls and excited to play for Lori too.” Lori being now-fifth year Maverick head coach Lori Rittenhouse-Wollmuth.

Olson came to the Mavericks having played at Annandale High School, along with two and half years of experience at the club level. “When she first started, she was pretty raw, pretty green to the game,” said Rittenhouse-Wollmuth. Olson agreed with her coach’s assessment. “I didn’t really know much about the knowledge and much about the game itself” she said. “Coming in I was really open to anything.”

It was that mentality that changed everything for Olson. When Rittenhouse-Wollmuth approached her about a position change before her junior year, she was all for it. Olson played on the outside her first couple of years, but when Olson was moved to the right side, the Mavericks had struck gold. “It became real apparent that she could be an even greater player on the right side,” said Rittenhouse-Wollmuth. She cited not only her vertical, but also the quickness of it along with her arm swing. “She brings the thunder with her arm swing.”

Olson proceeded to register 468 kills, averaging 4.33 a set in her junior season and the accolades rolled in AVCA All-America Third Team, NSIC All-NSIC First Team honors and CCA All-Region Second Team.

Olson attributed her junior year success to higher confidence. “I didn’t let outside factors affect it” she said. “I just played for my teammates, forgot about all outside factors, and just went and tried to make my teammates better while making myself better at the same time.”

This summer, Olson, along with teammate Mara Quam, were selected to take part in the USA D-2 Volleyball Brazil Tour. “I just went in there and played and it was really fun getting to know the girls and playing different teams,” said Olson of the experience. “The coaches there didn’t know me before, the players didn’t know me before so showing them who I was, was really exciting and fun.” Olson said her biggest takeaway from the experience was the importance of playing free.

It was that takeaway that has allowed her to continue her success, including joining MSU’s 1,000-kill club, into her senior season. She admitted that having been an All-American last season was something that brought on a lot of pressure. “Once I start thinking ‘so what I did it last season, prove to them I should get it this season too’ or playing like I didn’t know I got it last season that kind of helped me play free and really focus on encouraging my teammates and cheering for them and doing it for my teammates rather than for myself.” 

Her selfless attitude has not gone unnoticed by the coaching staff. “She’s a great role model,” said Rittenhouse-Wollmuth. “She’s a great listener. She’s someone that players know they can go to and she’ll give them an honest response, but one that’s supportive. She takes good care of her teammates.” 

Olson has accomplished many things in her career, but what will the biggest thing she’ll be remembered for? “I think never giving up, and always having a positive attitude because obviously there’s going to be hard times but knowing that I always came out with a smile,” said Olson. “She’ll walk out of here as one of the best Mavericks that ever played” said Rittenhouse-Wollmuth. “She will be missed, and her impact will last far longer than just her time here.”

A three-time NSIC All-Academic honoree, Olson carries a 3.67 grade point average and is majoring in math education.  She will graduate in the spring of 2021.

                   contributed by Minnesota State athletic communications intern Jason Backman

That's the Goal

Abbey Levy was named All-WCHA Second Team
as a freshman in 20018-19

Minnesota State goaltender Abigail Levy completed her first career collegiate start with a win and a shutout in last year's season opener, a 2-0 home win over Rensselaer on September 29th, 2018.  

The win was the first of five shutouts for Levy, which tied the school record for most shutouts in a single season at Minnesota State. As well as being named to the All-WCHA Second team and the All-WCHA Rookie Team, Levy also earned Co-Rookie of the year and Most Valuable Player for the Mavericks. To say Levy’s first collegiate year was anything shy of impressive would be an understatement.  

A native of the Big Apple, Levy emigrated to the Land of 10,000 Lakes where the hockey-focused environment at prep power Shattuck-St, Mary's helped to develop her game under the tutelage of goaltending coach Des Christopher, a former Minnesota netminder in his own right. Before beginning her collegiate career at Minnesota State, Levy helped backstop the Sabres to three national championships.

 

Levy, who went 9-18-7 with a .924 save percentage and a 2.35 goals against average in 34 appearances last year, had the second best goals-against average (on Minnesota State's single-season list), tied for second best save percentage, tied for fifth most wins and had the seventh most saves in a single season at Minnesota State.

Following her outstanding debut in 2018-19, the Congers, N.Y., native had the opportunity to travel back home in the summer of 2019 for two weeks in Lake Placid, participating in the 2019 USA Hockey Women's National Festival. This opportunity, which served as a training camp for the U.S.'s top-level players, was utilized to choose both U18 and U22 Select Teams which compete against Canada in the annual U18 and U22 Series. “This was an insane experience that I wish a lot of others could experience as well,” said Levy. “It's something that was a huge step in my athletic career.” 

Levy hopes to continue to move forward from last year's season, building on the work she put in during the summer with the goal of “being a leader for the team and work on being someone who others can look up to even with the upperclassman looking up to me.” 

More importantly, her goals for the team are key for a successful season, which is “coming together better as a family.” Given family plays such an important role in Levy’s life. Whatever the distance may be, her parents work to make it to over 85% of all-season games wherever they are playing. Although being away from family has caused some homesickness to occur over the years; it’s the continuous support she receives from them that drives her motivation on and off the ice. 

Minnesota State head coach John Harrington, who is in his  fifth year in charge of the Mavericks, describes Levy as someone who is “happy go lucky” individual both on and off the ice.  

"She is someone who “doesn’t take things with her, she doesn’t let things build up on her, she learns from things but she doesn’t carry things on," said Harrington. "She’s good with the what’s next approach.” Which are key attributes to have as a player who can than lead with these skills to both mentor and grow the teammates she plays alongside."

Contributed by Schaelly Hildebrandt, Minnesota State Athletic Communications Intern 

Something in the Water

Shane Zylstra holds the Minnesota State record for career
touchdown receptions

Minnesota State senior wide receiver Shane Zylstra has had a decorated career with the Maverick football program. 

Through 44 career games, the Spicer, Minn., native has reeled in 171 catches for 3,154 yards receiving and 42 touchdowns. Those 42 touchdowns are a school record. The previous record for career receiving touchdowns at Minnesota State was 36, held by former Maverick wide receiver Josh Nelsen (1991-94). The record is something Zylstra takes great pride in. 

“It means a lot,” Zylstra said. “Just being able compete at a high level each and every day at such a great institution, it’s just nice to be able to contribute to the team and win games because that’s what I came here to do. To not only contribute but to play at a high level,” he said.  

Named to the All-NSIC First Team and and AFCA Second Team All-American last year, Zylstra totaled 66 catches for 1,261 yards and 14 touchdowns as a junior in 2018 in helping lead the Mavericks to the semifinals of the NCAA Tournament.

Shane Zylstra (right) with
his older brother Brandon

Zylstra’s football success is obvious. But what isn’t known is that Zylstra was a competitive water skier long before he became an elite college wide receiver. The 6-foot-5, 215-pound Zylstra grew up near a private lake called Green Lake in Spicer and attended New London-Spicer High School. One of the family traditions was to water ski.

“Every weekend we were out on that lake water skiing barefoot and just hanging out,” Zylstra said. “My dad and grandpa used to ski a lot, so that’s who got us into that, and it just built off from there,” he said.  

He started water skiing at age five and barefooting at age seven. Water skiing is one thing, but barefooting is a whole different required skillset. It’s similar to traditional water skiing, except you don’t use any water skis at all, just your feet, as you perform jumps and tricks behind a boat. Unlike traditional water skiing, barefooting requires faster boat speeds that reach up to 40 mph, which is required for the athlete to plane on his bare feet. The barefoot events of wake slalom, tricks and jumping are also similar to traditional water skiing. One may wonder, how does this help with being an elite receiver?

“It definitely helps with balance,” Zylstra said. “You constantly have to worry about balance when you’re on the water. There’s a lot of times when you’re basically balancing on one foot, so it’s just a huge part. And then on the mental side you have a constant challenge of improving on new tricks and new styles,” he said.

Zylstra, along with his three brothers Justin Zylstra, Brandon Zylstra, a wide receiver who plays for the Carolina Panthers, and Jaden Zylstra, joined the Little Crow Ski Team of New London, Minn.. He competed for ten years with the ski team, where he had weekly tournaments in the summer all around the Midwest.

“Every Friday, you host a show for public attendance, and then we traveled to different cities around us for public shows for Water Days events and things like that. And then we often traveled the Midwest doing competitions against other teams in the Midwest,” Zylstra said.  

From there, the water ski teams and individuals compete in regional tournaments for a shot to compete at the national level.

“Growing up we were always really successful at regionals, so we always went to nationals and competed at that next level,” he said.

Looking back at is water skiing days, Zylstra isn’t shy about who the best in the family is.

“Best water skier in the family, I have to give it to myself. Brandon’s great and all, but he’s even said it too, in college at least, that I’m a little bit ahead of him. We all have our own unique talents that make us all great, but I have to stick with myself,” he said.  

All four of the Zylstra brothers, Justin, 27, Brandon, 26, Shane, 22, and Jaden, 16, found success in water skiing at the national level. Brandon and Shane ultimately chose football over water skiing, but Jaden plans to pursue water skiing in college.

“Water skiing is probably my younger brother’s favorite sport. He’s working on pursuing it down in the southern states,” Zylstra said. “You can go to college for it, and that’s what he’s thinking about doing,” he said.

Fast-forward to today, Zylstra and the Mavericks are 5-0 and hold a No. 3 overall national ranking in the American Football Coaches Association Coaches Poll. He has one goal in mind for this season, and it’s to win a NCAA Division II national championship.

“It’d be really nice to finish that senior year with a National Championship,” Zylstra said. “It’s one last go-around, and I think we have the talent to do it. It’s just a matter of getting it done at the end of the day,” he said.  

              contributed by Collin Wilmes, Athletic Communications intern

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Hockey Dads

The old saying goes “like father, like son.”

In the case of a quintet of current Minnesota State men’s hockey players this certainly is the case.

Connor Mackey, Dryden McKay, Riese Zmolek, Jaxson Stauber and Ryan Sandelin are unique in the fact that they all have had fathers who played in the National Hockey League.

Connor Mackey, a junior defenseman for the Mavericks, is the son of Dave Mackey. The elder Mackey played in 126 National Hockey League games as a forward with Chicago, Minnesota and St. Louis.

Dave coached Connor from a young age up until he was about 14 years old.

“He has helped me a lot,” said Connor, noting his father’s impact on his game. “We talk through things still today after games and what he saw and his take on the game. He knows so much about the game with how he played at the highest level so it’s great to hear what he has to say.

“What I have learned most from him, is playing the game the right way. Both ends of the ice and just to always work hard, even if you’re not having the best game you can always control how hard you work. Just staying with it.”  Connor said.

Dryden McKay is a sophomore netminder who enjoyed a stellar first year of college hockey and was named 2018-19 CHN National Rookie of the Year last year after logging a 24-7-2 record in 32 starts in 2018-19.  He is the son of former Hartford Whalers goaltender Ross McKay.

Dryden’s father was his goalie coach he had until he was 16 years old and today Ross helps Dryden with the mental side of his game more than the physical. The mental side of the game is a major part when being a goaltender.

“My dad is very humble and quiet about the fact that he played in the NHL. Growing up he was a goalie coach at the junior level so the reason I became a goalie was to hang out with him. I saw playing goalie as a way to spend time with my dad and I think that’s ultimately what drew me to the position. As I got older I began to understand just how good my dad was when he played and that he knew so much about hockey and goaltending.” Said Dryden.

 “He basically shaped me into the goalie I am today. He always had a huge focus on skating and positioning and I believe those two aspects of my game are the biggest reason I am where I am today. Now that I am older I still call him after every game and it’s always nice to talk to someone who understands everything I am going through, both good and bad.”

Riese Zmolek, a junior defenseman whose father Doug was a rugged defenseman with San Jose, Dallas, Los Angeles and Chicago, had an opportunity to go the rink when his dad was still playing. Doug would take Riese to the ice when he was little and that is how he got introduced to hockey.

“Just being around hockey and seeing it at such a young age impacted me a lot. I think it started growing my love for it right away” Riese said. Riese had his father as a coach every year growing up during youth hockey.When Riese went to high school Doug helped coach his hockey team as well.

“I think he’s had a huge impact on me and my game. For the most part, once I got old enough he let me be and let me try to learn on my own unless I reached out to him for help on something with my game. He has taught me many things and without him helping and teaching me things there’s no way I’d be where I am today. He taught me how to play the game, and what he thought I needed to work on to keep playing past high school.”

Jaxon Stauber is a freshman goaltender for the Mavericks and his father, Robb, had a lengthy professional career that saw him tend nets in the NHL with Los Angeles and Buffalo.  Another freshman, forward Ryan Sandelin, is the son of Scott Sandelin, who saw action in the NHL with Philadelphia, Montreal and the Minnesota North Stars.

Along with Connor Mackey, Dryden McKay and Riese Zmolek, three Maverick veterans, the two newcomers to the squad in Stauber and Sandelin, another adage comes to mind in that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

          - contributed by Morgan Keim-Wolfe, Minnesota State Athletic Communications intern.

A Football Legacy

Mankato native Ryan Schlichte has played a big role in
Minnesota State's success the past four years

A legacy always has to start somewhere. 

RyanSchlichte, a senior quarterback on the third-rated Minnesota State football team, came to the Mavericks with probably more knowledge about the program than most of his teammates.

A three-year starter at Mankato West, Schlichte racked up over 2,000 yards passing and 25 touchdowns as a sophomore and junior with the Scarlets. His senior year of high school, in which he threw for 3,141 yards and 45 touchdowns, he earned Minnesota High School Gatorade Player of the Year, Minnesota AP Player of the Year, Big 9 Player of the Year and USA Today Minnesota Player of the Year honors.

The connection with the local NCAA DII football program came with Ryan’s father, Dave, a defensive back and quarterback for the Mavericks in the early 1980s. Dave, a native of Wilmont, Minn., native who prepped at Worthington High School, served as offensive coordinator under Minnesota State head coach Dan Runkle following his college playing career.

“From as long as I can remember, our family went to the games at The Blake. It seemed like every Saturday the Mavericks had a home game and in the back of my mind it wasn’t me watching the Gophers, but it was me watching the Mavericks play. That kind of transitioned as to what I was playing when I was younger and into high school. My dad was a coach and always had great insight. I didn’t always listen to it first, but I’ve come to appreciate his knowledge of the game and for what he’s done for me as a player and for a young man as well,” Schlichte said.

“As a young man he definitely helped me mature and to treat everyone that I would like to be treated,” said Schlichte. “My dad treated everyone with respect and treated everyone the same. That’s how I’ve always kept that open mind and try to get to know as many guys as I can. I try to find something about someone on the team if I don’t know everyone on the team. I’ve always tried to be a leader and pick people back up when they are down.”

Following a redshirt year on 2015, Schlichte saw action in seven games as a freshman in 2016 prior to assuming the starting role for the Mavericks as a sophomore, helping guide the team to a 13-1 record as they claimed an NSIC Championship and advanced to the third round of the NCAA Tournament. Sharing starting duties with J.D. Ekowa in 2018, Minnesota State again posted a 13-1 record.

Dave Schlichte feels Ryan’s exposure to the Mavericks and the college football culture likely has played a role in Ryan’s success at Minnesota State. 

“Being a part of a team was one of the best moments I had at college and I thought it was something that would be good for him to be exposed to,” said Dave. “I think the ups and downs we had when we played made our group closer and that’s what being a part of team is all about.”

 In playing for his college coaches, Dave learned that there’s more than one way to get things done in understanding Al Sandona and Dan Runkle very different coaches and how they not only wanted their teams to play, but also how they worked with their players. “Sandona was more defensive than an offensive style and Runkle was more offensive than defensive,” said the senior Schlichte.  “It was an adjustment switching everything around between the two coaches, but we were able to overcome all of the years that we were struggling to winning the conference championship within a five-year span.”

On becoming a college coach right out of college, Dave felt that it was something he was ready for, even if it was a young age. “Runk’s staff was allowed to voice your thoughts and opinions on what to do. Sometimes as a team we were trying to figure out a way to be competitive. The hardest thing about changing from a player to coach was that it wasn’t about you anymore it was about the players and what their future holds. It also was about their families and what was best for them. Sometimes the mindset changes completely and it can’t be about you."

A football family, which besides Ryan and Dave includes Ryan’s mother Jody and brother, Jay, who was a tight end at Minnesota Duluth, you know where you’ll be able to find the Schlichte’s in the fall.  Most likely they’ll be at a football game.

                          - contributed by Mason Tonsager, Minnesota State Athletic Communications intern

           

Evan's Great Adventure

Former Minnesota State defenseman Evan Mosey played for
Great Britain at the 2019 IIHF World Championship

Given the fact that the last time Evan Mosey suited up for the Minnesota State men's hockey team was at the end of the 2012-13 season, it really wasn't all that long ago that the Downers Grove, Ill., native was sporting a Maverick sweater.

Since then, however, Mosey has been on a journey that has seen him wearing the colors of HYC Herentals in Belgium, the Nottingham Panthers in the Elite Ice Hockey League, the Rockford Ice Hogs in the American Hockey League, the Indy Fuel in the ECHL, the Herning Blue Fox in Denmark and the Cardiff Devils in the EIHL.

"After graduating at Minnesota State I knew I wanted to go play hockey somewhere. I wanted to go to Europe and see new places and experience other cultures while being able to play hockey. I played my first year in Belgium for HYC Herentals. I had the most fun I’ve ever had playing hockey. Being able to travel see new places meet new people and of course Belgium has great beer, chocolate, and waffles.

I wanted to go play in England because I had my UK passport (his father, Graham, was born in England). You have to play two years in the EIHL which is the league in the UK to be eligible for the national team. I played two years for the Nottingham Panthers, then was able to play my first world championships in Zagreb. I was able to play for the Rockford IceHogs which is the Chicago Blackhawks affiliate for a season which was a great experience. Then went back to the UK, then to Denmark and now I play in Wales for the Cardiff Devils."

Mosey, who played 108 games for Minnesota State during his four years with the Mavericks (2009-13), reached his goal of playing for Great Britain's national team, first in 2015-16 at the IIHF World D1B tournament. Then, by virture of its performance at the World D1A qualifying tournament in 2018, Great Britain qualified for the 2019 IIHF World Championship for the first time since 1994.  And at the tournament, which was held in Slovakia May 10-26, the Brits placed 13th in earning a spot in next year's world championship with Mosey along for the ride.

"I would have to say it was the craziest experience in hockey I have ever had," said Mosey, who played in all seven games at the tournament. "It doesn’t hit you until you get there see the arena which is world class and walk around Kosice and see all the hockey fans. It’s insane you see groups of fans everywhere all repping different countries. Then walking around the rink you start to bump into all the NHL players that are there. It’s hard not to get a little star struck when you walk by Patrick Kane. It’s also hilarious cause half the guys on the team are joking around about playing against guys they had on their fantasy teams this year.

It’s a really hard tournament though. You are there to get a job done and it’s not going to be easy. We were pretty realistic that we weren’t going to beat a lot of the teams there. But we wanted to at least compete and work on our systems. We basically knew the Denmark game and France game were are two best options to stay up (in the top group). So being able to get that win against France was huge. Coming back from being 3-0 down just shows the work ethic and character this team has.  It hasn’t really sunk in what we did as a team and what we did for this nation to promote the sport. But I’m super proud to be apart of this team. To be able to go back to back gold medals to get promotion to the top group and then cap that off with a win against France to stay is crazy. Never would I have thought that something like that could even be possible cause it’s never been done before."

"It great we stayed up, but everyone knows we aren’t done we obviously have next year to prepare for and it’s going to be extremely hard again to do the same thing. So for me I’m extremely happy to have played a role with team GB this year." 

Having signed for another year in Cardiff, Mosey will continue his European adventure next year, along with another opportunity to represent the Union Jack at the World Championship, this time in Swtizerland at the 2020 IIHF World Championship.

To the Max

Max Coatta is a two-time team captain for Minnesota State

Given the fact that his grandfather served as head coach of the football team there and that his father is in one of the high school’s athletic Hall of Fame there, it must seem inevitable that Max Coatta would end up in Mankato playing college hockey for the Minnesota State Mavericks. Right? 
 
“When I was younger the goal was just to play college hockey,” said Coatta. “I was always a fan of the WCHA growing up and as things went along, once I started hearing from Minnesota State, with the coaching staff, where the program appeared to be headed with the possibility of being on a team that could compete for championships every year, the school itself, it all was pretty attractive and some something that I wanted to be a part of.” 

So far, so good.  

Following a standout high school career at Minnetonka (Minn.) where he had 89 goals and 190 points in four seasons with the Skippers and junior hockey stops with Penticton of the British Columbia Hockey League and Waterloo of the United States Hockey League, Coatta has made his mark in his four seasons at Minnesota State. 

With a penchant for durability, special teams play and a knack for scoring goals in bunches (he has a pair of hat tricks during the course of his college career), Coatta is a two-time WCHA All-Academic selection and a two-time WCHA Scholar-Athlete. He was named to the WCHA All-Rookie Team in 2015-16 and has twice been named Minnesota State’s Hardest Worker. 

The reliable two-way forward is in his second season as a team captain, but in reality has been working as a team leader from the get-go. 

“I try to bring positive energy with every shift,” said Coatta. “I think skating is one of my stronger points and I think I have a good shot, I can play a role on the penalty kill and chip in offensively, as well, and it’s important to set the table, actions-wise, for the younger guys on the team.” 

With a pair of MacNaughton Cups under his belt in his first three years with the program, Coatta is looking for a third this year and head coach Mike Hastings feels that the contributions being made by his veteran front-line player over the course of his career should not be overlooked or undervalued. 

“He’s been an example for others from the time he joined our program as a freshman,” said Hastings, who is in his seventh year in charge of the Mavericks. “As Max has continued to mature as a player and as a person, he’s continued to exude leadership skills in all areas. He is mentored classmates and teammates and he’s one of those guys that takes care of the group...everybody. I respect him as a player, as a leader and as a young man.There is no doubt the he’s helped us get to where we are as a program.” 

Coatta’s older brother, Sam, won a NCAA Division I men’s hockey national championship as a member of the Union Dutchmen in 2014 and maybe this is the year that the younger brother will have an opportunity to emulate that feat. 

“There’s going to be ups and downs every year,” said Coatta.“We came out of the gates pretty fastthis year, but as a team we’ve been confident, knowing that we can compete for a championship.I think we’re especially close this year as a group and we have good depth with a lot of game changers. We’ve put ourselves in a good spot as we get near the end of the regular season.Obviously we’re hoping to finish on top of the conference standingsand then it’s moving on to the league playoffs. We’ve had some good teams during my time here, but haven’t been able to win one of a WCHA playoff title during my time here, so that would be a big stepping stone for us. And then after that we’ll see how things go.” 

Contributed by Paul Allan, Minnesota State Assoc. Director of Athletics

Bandwidth | Q & A With Michael Thursby, Minnesota State's Director of Athletic Bands & Percussion

Spectators at Minnesota State athletics home events the last five years have enjoyed and appreciated the energy and atmosphere enhanced by the performances of the Maverick Machine, the school's marching and pep band.

These ensembles fall under the direction of Michael Thursby, MSU's Director of Athletic Bands & Percussion.  

MavBlog took a few moments to do a Q & A with the guy who is in charge of one of the most integral pieces to the Maverick game-day experience.

Tell us about where you're from and where you went to school
I'm from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, got my undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa and have a master's from Northern Iowa.

What were you up to prior to coming to Minnesota State to get our band program up and running?
I taught high school band in Grand Rapids, Minn., for three years.  My wife (Sarah) is from the Twin Cities and went to UMD.  That's kind of how we ended up up north. We liked the northern Minnesota feel and this was my first introduction to hockey. And as far as my interest in coming to Minnesota State, I like sports and I like band.  This is what drew me to this position.  

I was a drummer growing up, but thought I could be an athlete.  I played high school basketball, but it was during that time that my attention shifted to music. I've always had a passion for sports, something that was always there.  I was in the drum and bugle corps and that was my outlet.  Growing up, I was always a big Hawkeye fan and loved going to those events. I was in the band at Iowa and had a great experience and I knew at that point that this could be a career path. 

So, you throw in my background with my passion and I thought this would something I could do, But there's not a lot of college band jobs across the country and honestly, I got lucky (in landing the Minnesota State job) and like a lot of things in life, this opportunity opened at the right time for us.

The band program at Minnesota State had been dormant for several years. How hard was it getting the Maverick Machine up and running?
We had a small budget to start with, so we bought some used stuff.  In think we bought some used tubas from Waseca High School and found some used uniforms to get everything started.  And we started recruiting. Between 2013 and 2015 I would say I was in 50+ schools letting kids know we had a program.  

Now we take the band places. Last year there was the Super Bowl Live event (we were the only college band there). There's a big high school marching band event in October at US Bank and we've been up there a couple of times when we don't have a home football game.

My goal is to make the program open to anyone who wants to participate.  We have 130 kids right now and our goal is to get to 200.  I'm by myself here, so it's a big task. Right now, I don't know if we can go any bigger than that.   

What kind of goals do you have for the band moving forward?
I think when I first came, I had a different vision then were we are now. I'm happy where we are now.  Our goal is entertain and pump people up. I think originally I was focused more on the band and less on athletics and we've flipped that. It's gotta be fun.  For everyone, the student-athletes, the fans, and for us.

I'd like to increase our numbers.  That's the biggest one - increasing numbers.  The travel experience has been amazing and the connections that the students have as result of what we've created. They're developing life long relationships and that's pretty cool. At the end of the day, there's wins and losses, good performances and bad performances, but we'll always have these relationships.

Personally, what lies ahead?
Well, our family's busy.  Sarah is an english teacher and runs the theatre program at New Ulm High School. We have a couple of energetic sons (Carter (4) and Dillon (2)) and we absolutely love being here. We're looking forward to playing a part in the success of Maverick Athletics and continuing to grow our band program.

Mission Cap

Anna Keys, Jared Spooner, Nick Bryant, Emily Antony,
Taylor Gulenchen, Josh French and Aaron Nelson spent
a week in Trinidad on a Varsity Catholic mission trip

What do you do when school's over for the semester?

For a few members of the Minnesota State men's and women's hockey programs, you take the opportunity to spend a week in Trinidad, bringing the game of hockey to youth and sharing with them the passion for the sport. 
 

Along with former Maverick women's hockey equipment manager Nick Bryant, three men's hockey players (Jared Spooner, Josh French and Aaron Nelson) and three women's hockey (Anna Keys, Emily Antony and Taylor Gulenchyn) players went to schools and taught children how to play street hockey, as well as a school for disabled youth and where they played an adaptive form of street hockey. 

The trip was made in conjunction with Varsity Catholic, an organization that sponsors numerous mission trips over college breaks and especially during the summer months for student-athletes in particular. 

The purpose of the trip was to give back to those less fortunate and in addition to sharing hockey, the group also went on multiple home visits, went to visit an elderly home, and spoke to a group of high school boys about sports and faith. 

The trip came about with these individuals in particular as they are in the same bible study group at Minnesota State. They wanted to do something productive with their shared interests and thought this would be a great way to do just that.They fundraised the entire cost associated with the trip and the was the first time doing something like this for all of them.

"Going on the trip was an opportunity of a lifetime," said Bryant. "And being able to share the sport we love with those kids was unforgettable."